Child Development Center

History

The Child Development Center (CDC) opened in 1994, with the dual purpose of serving the child care needs of NC State and OSU-M students and serving as a teaching lab for college students preparing for careers with young children and their families.

Who We Serve

The CDC enrolls children from 6 weeks of age through kindergarten and provides family support, guidance, and education. All services are provided without regard to gender, race, age, creed, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

Hours

We provide early care & education in a full-year program operating Monday through Friday from 6:45am to
5:45pm.

To Apply

Applications may be picked up at the front desk between 7:00am and 5:30pm. Applications can also be printed (in Acrobat PDF format) and returned in person or mailed to the CDC. You will be contacted when an enrollment space becomes available. If you need to update your application, have further questions regarding enrollment, or would like to arrange a visit, please call and ask to speak with a member of the family service team.

Purpose

To enhance children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development

To support mothers, fathers, and other family members in their roles as primary caregivers & educators of their children

To help parents meet their own goal, including that of economic independence

Philosophy

At the Child Development Center everyone is respected and valued as an individual. Staff focuses on relationship-building as the foundation for planning experiences appropriate to each child’s developmental level. We recognize that children develop within the context of their family and culture, and therefore, respect families as the primary educators, nurturers, and advocates for their children.

Goal

Our goal is to offer guidance and support to assist each child, as a member of his or her family, in effectively managing his or her environment and later responsibilities in school and life.

Curriculum

Social, emotional, physical, cognitive, language, and creative development, as well as cultural awareness, are facilitated to support children as resourceful learners. We provide a balance of active and quiet play through indoor and outdoor experiences in environments designed to enhance care giving, learning through play, and purposeful teaching; based on the needs and interests of individuals and groups of children. Differing abilities and experiences are appreciated and used as a basis for sharing and learning.

Family Involvement

Families of enrolled children are encouraged to be actively involved at the Center. Comfortable furnishings are provided in each classroom, welcoming families to visit during arrivals and departures. Many planned opportunities are available and parents are encouraged to share their own ideas and resources.

Licensure, Accreditation, and Programs

The CDC is licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. You may visit www.ohio.gov/odjfs/ to view compliance inspection reports.

In June of 2002 the Center achieved accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, showing a commitment to meeting national standards of quality. Access www.naeyc.org to learn more.

The CDC is a federal Early Head Start grantee, enrolling forty infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. EHS is a program designed to respond to the unique strengths, interests, and needs of each child and family. Comprehensive services are layered into early care & education services and family support.

Staff

The Center has a diversified, well-trained staff selected for their ability to nurture and provide educational experiences for young children and provide support to families. Enrollment is conducted by a member of the family service team, who will remain accessible as a resource and support to families. Each classroom has two full-time caregivers/teachers, one of whom will be the primary caregiver to each child. Additionally, the administration and other support staff work as members of our Child Development Center team to support child, family, and staff development within our community.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided for all children in attendance. Meals are served family style, creating opportunities for children’s social and language development. We work closely with families to accommodate breastfeeding mothers and children’s special dietary needs while meeting guidelines of the Ohio Child and Adult Care Food Program